Research Library

The inflow of refugees to Calgary fluctuates widely over time, and varies considerably by country of origin. Social agencies must adapt to a continuously shifting kaleidoscope of people, cultures, languages and needs. The inflow of refugees to Calgary fluctuates widely over time, and varies considerably by country of origin. Social agencies must adapt to a continuously shifting kaleidoscope of people, cultures, languages and needs.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Although Canada is recognized internationally as a leader in immigration policy, supports are not responsive to the traumatic experiences of many newcomers. Many mothers and children arriving in Canada are at elevated risk of homelessness. Individual and group interviews with 18 newcomer mothers with current or recent experiences with homelessness and with 16 service providers working in multiple sectors were conducted. Three main themes emerged: gendered and racialized pathways into homelessness; system failures, and pre- and post-migration trauma. This study revealed structural barriers rooted in preoccupation with economic success that negate and exacerbate the effects of violence and homelessness. The impacts of structural discrimination and violence are embedded in federal policy. It is critical to posit gender and culturally appropriate alternatives that focus on system issues. Although Canada is recognized internationally as a leader in immigration policy, supports are not responsive to the traumatic experiences of many newcomers. Many mothers and children arriving in Canada are at elevated risk of homelessness. Individual and group interviews with 18 newcomer mothers with current or recent experiences with homelessness and with 16 service providers working in multiple sectors were conducted. Three main themes emerged: gendered and racialized pathways into homelessness; system failures, and pre- and post-migration trauma. This study revealed structural barriers rooted in preoccupation with economic success that negate and exacerbate the effects of violence and homelessness. The impacts of structural discrimination and violence are embedded in federal policy. It is critical to posit gender and culturally appropriate alternatives that focus on system issues.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This article looks at strategies of resistance that Sub-Saharan Africans employ while adapting to Canadian environment. We assert that the refugees engage in numerous economic, sociopolitical and cultural transnational activities. Their initiatives benefit the refugees themselves and the sending and receiving countries. They serve as anti-racism and development tools against the backdrop of racism that they endure in Canada, the trauma of war and displacement, as well as war-related destruction in the sending country. They also strengthen awareness and better understanding of multiculturalism among Canadians. In the process, the subjects drew on scarce resources and overcame atrocious difficulties in order to improve their lives and create uplifting stories and actions. Though transnational migration also generates problematic impacts, these barriers could be overcome if the benefits of transnational migration are extended. Thus, we draw on the subjects’ resilience to expand conceptions about transnational migration in order to turn it into a most fruitful avenue in the twenty-first century. This article looks at strategies of resistance that Sub-Saharan Africans employ while adapting to Canadian environment. We assert that the refugees engage in numerous economic, sociopolitical and cultural transnational activities. Their initiatives benefit the refugees themselves and the sending and receiving countries. They serve as anti-racism and development tools against the backdrop of racism that they endure in Canada, the trauma of war and displacement, as well as war-related destruction in the sending country. They also strengthen awareness and better understanding of multiculturalism among Canadians. In the process, the subjects drew on scarce resources and overcame atrocious difficulties in order to improve their lives and create uplifting stories and actions. Though transnational migration also generates problematic impacts, these barriers could be overcome if the benefits of transnational migration are extended. Thus, we draw on the subjects’ resilience to expand conceptions about transnational migration in order to turn it into a most fruitful avenue in the twenty-first century.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This article examines the financial literacy of older immigrants in Canada. Older immigrants experience multiple forms of financial exclusion rooted in the intersections between age, race, gender, immigration, and labour history. While the existing literature notes how immigrants are more likely to be unbanked because of structural barriers such as inaccessible services and language barriers, few studies have explored how older immigrants discuss their experiences and financial conditions. This paper explores the experiences of financial literacy among older immigrants in Calgary, Alberta through in-depth interviews and photographs taken by participants. We discuss the lived experiences and financial realities among older immigrants, how they perceive challenges to financial literacy as well as coping strategies. Themes focus on the ways in which histories of immigration and labour impact their financial security in later life. Photographs generated offer service providers and policy makers opportunities to think about and engage in interventions that better tackle issues of financial insecurity and inequality among older immigrants. This article examines the financial literacy of older immigrants in Canada. Older immigrants experience multiple forms of financial exclusion rooted in the intersections between age, race, gender, immigration, and labour history. While the existing literature notes how immigrants are more likely to be unbanked because of structural barriers such as inaccessible services and language barriers, few studies have explored how older immigrants discuss their experiences and financial conditions. This paper explores the experiences of financial literacy among older immigrants in Calgary, Alberta through in-depth interviews and photographs taken by participants. We discuss the lived experiences and financial realities among older immigrants, how they perceive challenges to financial literacy as well as coping strategies. Themes focus on the ways in which histories of immigration and labour impact their financial security in later life. Photographs generated offer service providers and policy makers opportunities to think about and engage in interventions that better tackle issues of financial insecurity and inequality among older immigrants.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This study examined the challenges and critical psychosocial needs of Syrian refugee families with young children in Western Canada. It also looked at the role of cultural brokering in facilitating their psychosocial adaptation. Results reveal that Syrian families struggled with feeling safe and secure in Canada, adjusting to the changing roles in the family, and trying to find meaning in their lives. These struggles were attributed to families’ overall challenges navigating various domains of integration (i.e., health, social services, and education), resulting in a heavy reliance on cultural brokers for social linking and bonding activities, including connecting families to needed supports and helping family members build relationships with one another. This study provides evidence for the use of both of these frameworks in further studies involving Syrian refugee populations; they proved useful for understanding how families, over time, can develop necessary skills to engage on their own in linking activities with various Canadian institutions and bridging activities with communities at large. This study examined the challenges and critical psychosocial needs of Syrian refugee families with young children in Western Canada. It also looked at the role of cultural brokering in facilitating their psychosocial adaptation. Results reveal that Syrian families struggled with feeling safe and secure in Canada, adjusting to the changing roles in the family, and trying to find meaning in their lives. These struggles were attributed to families’ overall challenges navigating various domains of integration (i.e., health, social services, and education), resulting in a heavy reliance on cultural brokers for social linking and bonding activities, including connecting families to needed supports and helping family members build relationships with one another. This study provides evidence for the use of both of these frameworks in further studies involving Syrian refugee populations; they proved useful for understanding how families, over time, can develop necessary skills to engage on their own in linking activities with various Canadian institutions and bridging activities with communities at large.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This study investigated the impacts of nature-based leisure on the well-being of refugees in Canada. We explored how the experiences of a two-day winter camping in northern Alberta affected refugees’ well-being. Participants, from three African countries, and Iran, welcomed an opportunity to be away in a natural setting, to connect with others, to learn new activities, involve their families, and as a distraction from their daily lives. Refugees acknowledged the welcoming efforts of the social services and parks agencies in bolstering their confidence and well-being. Refugees’ experiences underscored both the importance of access to nature-based leisure in mitigating stress, and host societies’ attitudes toward newcomers in fostering their well-being. Our findings suggest that developing nature-based leisure opportunities for refugees may promote their well-being and sense of belonging. This study investigated the impacts of nature-based leisure on the well-being of refugees in Canada. We explored how the experiences of a two-day winter camping in northern Alberta affected refugees’ well-being. Participants, from three African countries, and Iran, welcomed an opportunity to be away in a natural setting, to connect with others, to learn new activities, involve their families, and as a distraction from their daily lives. Refugees acknowledged the welcoming efforts of the social services and parks agencies in bolstering their confidence and well-being. Refugees’ experiences underscored both the importance of access to nature-based leisure in mitigating stress, and host societies’ attitudes toward newcomers in fostering their well-being. Our findings suggest that developing nature-based leisure opportunities for refugees may promote their well-being and sense of belonging.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Resettled refugees and asylum seekers receive financial support from federal and provincial governments, however they face costs and barriers unique to their circumstances. Resettled refugees and asylum seekers receive financial support from federal and provincial governments, however they face costs and barriers unique to their circumstances.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

With the arrival of a large number of Syrian families to Canada, educators and other service providers are reflecting on best practices to support the psychosocial adaption of refugees from conflict settings. This article draws on a study and model that examined the psychosocial adaptation of Syrian refugee families with young children in Western Canada. The name of the model is RAISED between Cultures. The acronym stands for Reveal culture, Acknowledge pre-migration experiences, Identify post-migration systemic barriers, Support family and community strengths, Establish connections between environments, and Determine child outcomes together with families. Study focused on the role of cultural brokers in facilitating the adaptation of Syrian refugee families, our results provide evidence for the application of the model for educators and other school personnel. As key figures in refugee children and families’ adaptation to their host country, educators can draw on these findings to identify families’ and children’s’ strengths and challenges during early resettlement to ensure positive child outcomes. With the arrival of a large number of Syrian families to Canada, educators and other service providers are reflecting on best practices to support the psychosocial adaption of refugees from conflict settings. This article draws on a study and model that examined the psychosocial adaptation of Syrian refugee families with young children in Western Canada. The name of the model is RAISED between Cultures. The acronym stands for Reveal culture, Acknowledge pre-migration experiences, Identify post-migration systemic barriers, Support family and community strengths, Establish connections between environments, and Determine child outcomes together with families. Study focused on the role of cultural brokers in facilitating the adaptation of Syrian refugee families, our results provide evidence for the application of the model for educators and other school personnel. As key figures in refugee children and families’ adaptation to their host country, educators can draw on these findings to identify families’ and children’s’ strengths and challenges during early resettlement to ensure positive child outcomes.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This research focused on understanding the integration and settlement of Syrian children and youth in Winnipeg and Calgary. The goals were to understand how communities and schools might better support integration, the unique psychosocial and academic needs of Syrian refugees, and how schools can support reciprocal learning among refugee, immigrant, and Canadian-born students. Findings revealedthatmany refugees experience triple trauma as a result of forced migration, having experienced trauma in their country of origin, during transition, and again upon resettlement in Canada. Further challenges includeddifficulties in acquiring a new language, interrupted schooling, lack of resources for teachers who felt unprepared for the complexities of student needs, and racism and discrimination experienced by youth trying to integrate with their Canadian peers. The project reveals many gaps in programs and services and highlights the need for a coordinated approach among the different stakeholders in the refugee settlement and integration process. This research focused on understanding the integration and settlement of Syrian children and youth in Winnipeg and Calgary. The goals were to understand how communities and schools might better support integration, the unique psychosocial and academic needs of Syrian refugees, and how schools can support reciprocal learning among refugee, immigrant, and Canadian-born students. Findings revealedthatmany refugees experience triple trauma as a result of forced migration, having experienced trauma in their country of origin, during transition, and again upon resettlement in Canada. Further challenges includeddifficulties in acquiring a new language, interrupted schooling, lack of resources for teachers who felt unprepared for the complexities of student needs, and racism and discrimination experienced by youth trying to integrate with their Canadian peers. The project reveals many gaps in programs and services and highlights the need for a coordinated approach among the different stakeholders in the refugee settlement and integration process.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Since 2011, the armed conflict that began in the Syrian Arab Republic has displaced an estimated 12 million Syrians, forcing them to seek refuge in various countries around the world. Over half of those people are children. Education is key to integration of refugee children and is considered critical in bringing back a sense of normalcy, routine, as well as emotional and social well-being in their lives. In Canada, integration of Syrian refugee children in the public school system has, therefore, been identified as one of the vital aspects of their settlement needs. This article examines the challenges experienced by newly arrived Syrian refugee children as they struggle to integrate to the Canadian school system. Our research shows that Syrian refugee children not only find it difficult to make friends with local students but are also subjected to constant bullying and racism that affect their sense of belonging and connection. Making the views of these students explicit, we hope to provide a starting point for not only understanding their experiences in more detail, but also for developing educational strategies, resources and policies that might best meet the needs of these students and future refugee children and youth. Since 2011, the armed conflict that began in the Syrian Arab Republic has displaced an estimated 12 million Syrians, forcing them to seek refuge in various countries around the world. Over half of those people are children. Education is key to integration of refugee children and is considered critical in bringing back a sense of normalcy, routine, as well as emotional and social well-being in their lives. In Canada, integration of Syrian refugee children in the public school system has, therefore, been identified as one of the vital aspects of their settlement needs. This article examines the challenges experienced by newly arrived Syrian refugee children as they struggle to integrate to the Canadian school system. Our research shows that Syrian refugee children not only find it difficult to make friends with local students but are also subjected to constant bullying and racism that affect their sense of belonging and connection. Making the views of these students explicit, we hope to provide a starting point for not only understanding their experiences in more detail, but also for developing educational strategies, resources and policies that might best meet the needs of these students and future refugee children and youth.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly